Last updated on January 27th, 2023 at 03:29 am
Peterbald is a cat breed that very few people know about. This is because this cat bread is relatively rare and also because it was just discovered recently. Peterbald is of Russian origin, and it is basically the oriental version of the more popular Sphynx cat breed. They are incredibly affectionate and get along well with humans of all ages. They usually form deep attachments with their families and always like to be around them. They are also playful, intelligent, and very inquisitive.
Their unique physical appearance, including a whip-esque tail, oversized ears, and slim and muscular build always make them stand out. So, are you interested in owning a Peterbald cat breed and you want to know more about them? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will tell you 13 incredible facts about Peterbald that you probably don’t know. Make sure you read until the end so that you don’t miss any interesting facts!
[toc]1. They are originally from Russia
The Peterbald cat breed is of Russian origin. They were created in 1994 from experimental breeding by Olga S. Mironova. She crossbred her oriental shorthair named Radma Vom Jagerhof with a Don Sphynx named Afinguen Myth. Four adorable kitties with oversized ears, whip-esque tail, and little to no hair were later born and were named Peterbald. The experiment was a huge success. Many people loved this cat breed because of their incredible personality. This cat breed was officially recognized by the International Cat Association (TICA) in 1997.
2. Peterbald is not a natural cat breed
Another interesting fact about peterbalds is that they are not a natural cat breed whose ancestry can be traced thousands of years back. Instead, they are a result of several cross-matches between Oriental breeds and the Don Sphynx. It is a relatively new cat breed that came to life after successful experimental breeding by Olga S. Mironova in 1994.
3. They have a life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years
Peterbalds have a life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years. The average lifespan of cats ranges between 10 and 15 years. This means that peterbalds live as long as other cat breeds. If they are given good care, they can live for up to 15 years.
4. Peterbald badness is determined by genes
One distinct feature of peterbalds is that they are hairless. Their lack of hair is because of genetics as opposed to health issues. However, it is important to note that they are not 100% hairless. Some have very thin hair all over their body. Genetics plays a crucial role in determining whether your Peterbald will be hairless or not. Some genes will result in the loss of hair after birth while others will result in the loss of hair gradually as the cat gets older.
5. Peterbald is one of the six known hairless cat breeds
There are very few hairless cats in the world. In fact, there are only six cat breeds in the world and Peterbald is one of them. Other five types of hairless cats include Elf, Donskoy, Bambino, Sphynx, and Ukrainian Levkoy.
6. Peterbalds are vulnerable to temperature extremes
Peterbalds are hairless and are thus vulnerable to temperature extremes. This is not the type of cat that can stay outdoors in the cold for hours and still be okay. Unlike other cat breeds that have thick coats that protect them from cold weather, peterbalds are not able to keep themselves warm in cold weather because they don’t have hair. So, if you want to own this cat breed and you live in an area that experiences extreme temperatures, you need to put adequate measures in place to keep the cat comfortable. For instance, if you live in an area with extremely low temperatures, you need to ensure that your house is always heated to keep the cat warm. You also need to buy a proper outfit for the cat to keep it warm.
7. The coat can change as the cat grows older
Unlike other cat breeds that maintain their original coat for a lifetime, peterbalds coat can change over time. This means that the coat that the cat was born with may not be the same when it grows older. Most peterbalds’ coats usually change within the first two years of their lives. The coat texture can either be lost, gained, or altered. So, don’t be surprised when you find out that the coat that your cat had when it was a kitten is not the same after two or three years down the line.
8. Peterbalds love attention
Peterbalds thrive on daily attention and interaction and don’t like to be left alone for a long time. They love nothing more than to spend quality time with their families.
When you sit on the couch to relax after a busy day at work, Peterbald will sit right next to you. This cat breed loves to cuddle and stay close to its owners. So, if you are not ready to give this cat attention, then it may not be the right choice for you. The cat loves being around people and will constantly seek attention. The good thing about this cat breed is that they don’t cling to one person. They are incredibly social and will interact with anyone who gives them love and attention.
9. They get along with everyone
If you are looking for a cat that will put a smile on everyone who comes to your house, then the peterbald is a great choice for you. Peterbalds are very social and get along with everyone. When having a cup of coffee, the cat will come and sit next to you. The cat will even participate in chores that you are doing. They are also friendly to children and strangers. They are totally cool hanging out with anyone who shows up on your doorstep. You will never feel lonely when you have a Peterbald in your house.
10. Peterbalds are very intelligent
One of the top reasons why many people love Peterbald is because they are very intelligent. This active cat can easily learn and perform tricks that other cat breeds cannot. In fact, their intelligence is similar to that of dogs. They are very good at following instructions and learning new tricks.
11. Peterbalds eat more than normal cats
Another interesting fact about peterbalds is that they tend to eat more than other cat breeds. This has a lot to do with their genetics which affects their metabolism. This cat breed has a high metabolism and eats almost twice as much as normal cats. The fact that they are hairless means they lose a lot of heat. As a result, their bodies are usually forced to work harder in order to keep them warm. This makes them eat more than other cat breeds, especially during cold winter months. Besides keeping them warm, high metabolism also allows them to heal any type of scratch or wound faster than a normal cat.
12. Peterbald is a high-maintenance cat breed
Peterbalds are high-maintenance cats when it comes to routine care. Most people assume that peterbalds don’t require a lot of attention in terms of routine care because they are hairless. However, that is not the case. First, it is important to note that not all peterbalds are hairless. In fact, this cat breed has several coat varieties, the most common ones being flock, naked, chamois, straight, and brush. Even though peterbalds have little to no fur, they require regular routine care. Yes, they don’t need to be groomed regularly like other cat breeds, but they require regular baths due to the buildup of oil in their skin. They need to be bathed at least once per week, depending on how much fur the cat has. They also need to wear sunscreen before going out because of the sensitivity of their skin. Their claws also need to be trimmed regularly.
13. Peterbald is expensive to buy
If you are planning to buy the Peterbald, then you should be ready to dig deep into your pockets. This breed is expensive to purchase and maintain. For instance, a Peterbald kitten can cost as much as $2,000 in the United States and up to $1950 in the UK. And due to their high-calorie requirements, owning this cat can run you as much as $1200 per month with bills such as food, toys and vet factored in. So, before you think of owning a Peterbald, you need to ensure that you have the financial capacity to maintain them.
Final thoughts
Peterbald is a unique cat breed that will bring a lot of joy to your family. They are very friendly, social, playful, and affectionate. They are also very intelligent and thus easy to train and follow commands. However, this cat breed is also clingy and loves a lot of attention from its owners. Additionally, the Peterbald has only been around for about 28 years, meaning there is a lot to learn about them. They also require special care from their owners. As a result, Peterbalds are recommended only for experienced cat owners.
